Jackson Township teen visits 24 states in 58 days

It was by chance Marielle Funk discovered the program GeoJourney, which landed her a spot in a nine-week camping trip across the United States to many national parks and monuments.

The Repository

Writer

Posted Aug. 11, 2011 at 12:01 AM
Updated Aug 11, 2011 at 11:16 AM

Posted Aug. 11, 2011 at 12:01 AM
Updated Aug 11, 2011 at 11:16 AM

JACKSON TWP.

Marielle Funk celebrated her 18th birthday while camping in a tent in the middle of nowhere. It was by chance she discovered the program GeoJourney, which landed her a spot in a nine-week camping trip across the United States to many national parks and monuments. The Jackson High School graduate said many of her friends were surprised she would consider spending the summer camping at primitive sites — no electricity, no showers or cell phone service. But, Funk says, “It was amazing. I really didn’t think I could spend that much time in the wilderness. I definitely learned a lot about myself.”

Her trip, by the numbers:

57 Nights Funk spent camping in a tent. “That was probably the biggest adjustment,” Funk said of not having cell phone service at the campsites. “But it was kind of nice not being connected that entire time.”

24 States Funk visited during her trip. The group of students in the GeoJourney program did have some time off from camping. On their days off, they visited New Orleans, Las Vegas, Durango, Colo., and San Francisco.

18 Credit hours Funk earned through the program. The credits will apply at Bowling Green State University, where she’ll be a freshman this fall. “I was so interested in traveling this summer, at least I earned some credit hours while doing it,” Funk said with a laugh.

3 Fifteen-person passenger vans the GeoJourney program used to transport the students and staff across the country. “It was a once-in-a-lifetime experience,” Funk said. “I made so many great friends — and memories.”